The hidden truth: physical violence against children around the world

Author

Kristina Konstantynova

Introduction

According to UNICEF, nearly 400 million children under the age of 5 regularly experience violent discipline, including physical punishment and psychological aggression.

Physical violence against children, though universally condemned, remains prevalent across various parts of the world.
Despite progress in human rights, physical punishment continues to be accepted and practiced in many regions due to cultural norms, historical contexts, and economic challenges.

This report aims to raise public awareness about this ongoing issue by analyzing global legislation, regional differences, and the evolution of protection laws over time.

The UNICEF Indicator 2 and UNICEF metadata are used as primary sources. This analysis can be complemented with a Tableau Dashboard to provide interactive visual insights.

“The silence of pain is often louder than words.”

🌍 Global Map of Support for Physical Punishment

Across the world, physical punishment remains deeply ingrained in many cultures.
While some regions have made progress in reducing its acceptance, others continue to grapple with widespread support for corporal punishment.
This map shows just how diverse the situation is:

  • Oceania and parts of Africa still show high levels of support,

  • while Europe has made remarkable progress, with much lower acceptance.

📊 Support by Continent

Looking at the continents, we see stark differences in attitudes toward physical punishment.

  • Oceania, for instance, shows consistently high levels of support for physical punishment, despite modern living conditions.

  • Africa also continues to show higher levels of acceptance, driven in part by cultural traditions and economic factors.

  • In contrast, Europe stands out with a significant decline in support — a shift largely due to legal reforms and a cultural movement toward non-violent child-rearing.

🎯 Focus on Top 10 Supporting Countries

Countries like Sweden and Germany have fully rejected physical punishment due to strong legal frameworks and progressive cultural shifts. However, nations in Oceania and Africa, such as Samoa and Nigeria, still show high levels of support, reflecting the persistence of historical practices and deep-rooted cultural beliefs.

💰 Economic Context: GDP vs Support

There is a clear connection between economic conditions and support for physical punishment.
In wealthier countries, where economic stability and education are more accessible, support for physical punishment tends to be lower.
In contrast, poorer regions like Africa still see high levels of corporal punishment, driven by poverty, lack of education, and social stress.

However, some wealthy countries, such as those in Oceania, still show significant support for physical punishment — suggesting that cultural norms play a strong role alongside economic factors.
This underscores the complex relationship between economic growth, cultural traditions, and disciplinary practices.

📈 Trend Over Time

Looking at trends over time, we can see that attitudes have changed in many regions.
While some countries — particularly in Europe — have consistently reduced support, others like those in Oceania and Africa remain high.

Though global trends have evolved over time, the year 2020 stands out, particularly in Oceania.
The sharp rise in support for physical punishment — jumping from 38% to 86% — points to a deeper societal change, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the stresses that came with it.

This shift illustrates how external pressures can force societies to revisit long-standing practices and attitudes toward discipline.

❓ Why Some Countries Still Support Physical Punishment

Click each icon to understand the key drivers:

🏛️ Cultural Traditions and Norms
💰 Economic and Social Factors
⚖️ Legal and Institutional Frameworks
✝️ Religious Beliefs

🛠️ How to Change It

Physical punishment is not a thing of the past — it remains a global issue shaped by culture, economics, and history.
While some regions are progressing through reforms, others — especially in Oceania and Africa — face significant challenges.
The path forward requires:

  • Legal reforms
  • Cultural change
  • Increased awareness

👉 Donate Now to support change and protect children’s rights.

Together, we can raise awareness and fight for a better future for children. ❤️